About 1.1 tonnes of undeclared and under-declared produce, including bayam, kailan, caixin, mango, pineapple, xiao baicai, Japanese cucumber, and brinjal, were seized from two importers
Singapore Food Agency (SFA) seized about 1.1 tonnes of illegally imported vegetables and fruits from Malaysia.
A joint operation conducted by SFA and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) targeting delivery trucks which typically transport fresh and processed vegetables and fruits intended for direct distribution to retailers and customers.
ICA officers at Woodlands Checkpoint noticed discrepancies in the consignment of two trucks and referred them to SFA for further checks, according to a joint statement by SFA and ICA.
About 1.1 tonnes of undeclared and under-declared produce, including bayam, kailan, caixin, mango, pineapple, xiao baicai, Japanese cucumber, and brinjal, were seized from two importers.
Fruits and vegetables can be imported only by licensed importers, and every consignment must be declared and accompanied by a valid import permit, the two agencies said in the statement.
Illegally imported produce is from unknown sources and can pose a food safety risk – if unregulated or excessive pesticides are used. The long-term ingestion of excessive pesticide residues in vegetables and fruits could lead to adverse health effects, the agencies added.
